South Carolina Officer Is Charged With Murder in Black Man's Death  —  WASHINGTON — A white police officer in North Charleston, S.C., was charged with murder on Tuesday after a video surfaced showing him shooting and killing an apparently unarmed black man in the back while he ran away.

Sean Hannity shows his influence  —  Something to keep in mind: When Ted Cruz announced that he was running for president two weeks ago, reporters weren't allowed to publish their interviews with the candidate until 10 p.m. ET, several hours after the Texas senator's announcement.

Rand Paul clashes with Savannah Guthrie over changing views  —  Rand Paul clashed with Today Show host Savannah Guthrie over her line of questioning during an interview Wednesday morning, criticizing her for editorializing over perceived changes in his political views since his election to the Senate.

How the U.S. thinks Russians hacked the White House  —  Washington (CNN)Russian hackers behind the damaging cyber intrusion of the State Department in recent months used that perch to penetrate sensitive parts of the White House computer system, according to U.S. officials briefed on the investigation.

Exclusive: New Ted Cruz Super-PACS Take in Record Haul  —  Ted Cruz's presidential effort is getting into the shock-and-awe fundraising business.  —  An associate of the Texas senator, a recently announced presidential candidate, tells Bloomberg that a cluster of affiliated super-political action committees …

High voter turnout in Ferguson adds two black council members, for three total  —  FERGUSON  • For the first time in Ferguson's 120-year history, the City Council will have three African-American members, but even so, Tuesday's election was less than a clear victory for the throngs …

Dick Cheney calls Obama ‘worst president’ on foreign policy  —  Former Vice President Dick Cheney says President Barack Obama is the worst commander in chief the United States has ever had, in view of the recent Iranian nuclear agreement.  —  Asked about the deal by Hugh Hewitt on Tuesday …

‘Second chance.’ Emanuel says he's ‘humbled’ by victory  —  Mayor Rahm Emanuel soundly defeated challenger Jesus “Chuy” Garcia on Tuesday, capturing a second term in Chicago's first runoff election and striking a note of humility by thanking voters for “a second term and a second chance.”

Israel's Unworkable Demands on Iran  —  Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu of Israel has gone into overdrive against a nuclear agreement with Iran.  On Monday, his government made new demands that it claimed would ensure a better deal than the preliminary one that Iran, President Obama …

Book author Joan Walsh Anglund says of Angelou stamp: 'That's my quote'  —  A number of luminaries are expected at Tuesday morning's unveiling ceremony for the new stamp honoring the late author Maya Angelou, among them first lady Michelle Obama.  An 89-year-old children's book author named Joan Walsh Anglund won't be there.

Senate Dems waver on Iran bill  —  The White House is trying to bottle up bipartisan legislation that would give Congress 60 days to review a final Iran nuclear deal.  —  The pushback may be having an effect — Sen. Chris Coons, a Democrat from Delaware, is now undecided about the legislation …

U.S. Dot-Com Bubble Was Nothing Compared to Today's China Prices  —  The world-beating surge in Chinese technology stocks is making the heady days of the dot-com bubble look tame by comparison.  —  The industry is leading gains in China's $6.9 trillion stock market, sending valuations …

GOP Foreign Policy Factions Tussle for Sway in Jeb Bush Campaign Team  —  Two prominent factions within the Republican foreign policy establishment are fighting for control over who will help guide former Florida Gov. Jeb Bush's policy positions as he gears up for a campaign for the presidency.

Chris Matthews Shames MSNBC For Airing ‘Goddamn’ Rightwing Ads (VIDEO)  —  MSNBC anchor Thomas Roberts ended up under friendly fire on Tuesday when his colleague Chris Matthews launched into a tirade against his own network for airing “goddamn” ads by rightwing groups.

Democrats Have an Identity-Politics Problem  —  In the Obama era, Democrats have become a party defined by identity.  What happens when they run out of candidates who can excite their diverse base?  —  The question of the moment—as the competitive GOP field grows larger by the day …